The James S. Murray Gallery will feature the work of Edwardsville artist Jason Bly Oct. 24 through Nov. 17.

A reception for the artist will be held Wednesday, Oct. 26 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the gallery, located on the upper level of Menard Hall. The exhibit is also open weekdays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Bly is an instructor of art at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Lewis and Clark Community College. He earned a master of fine arts degree in painting from SIUE and  master’s and bachelor’s degrees in painting and printmaking at Eastern Illinois University. His work is represented by Duane Reed Gallery in St Louis.

Bly’s current work is informed by the two opposing views on the possible outcomes of our future: the hopeful and the cautionary.

About his art and process, Bly states, “I am interested in portraying these fantastic events alongside everyday household items that act as symbolic tokens, serving as access points to the intangible. I use several layers of oil paint in traditional methods of glazing, building at times over 75 thin layers of color to achieve both flat color and deeper realistic passages within the work. This traditional technique, apart from rendering color and space to a particular level, also challenges my observed process as I am required to look at various objects and imagery more than the passing glance I might achieve otherwise.”